Powered CO2 reactor

[qsaark]

Right now I am using a Hagen Plant grow system. I believe some of you are familiar with this system http://www.petfishtalk.com/rss_feeds.../hagan_co2.jpg. Nothing special, basically a commercialized DIY CO2 generator with a step reactor. Anyway, using this system, the best I achieved is 21 ppm of CO2. However, discussing my java fern problem with many experts on this and other forums, I have come to a conclusion that I need more light and more CO2. I was thinking of making a system as shown in the figure. I need your advice whether this system will work and be able to raise my CO2 level in the tank? I am planning to attach this simple device to my existing internal filter http://www.pennplax.com/Pages/Aqua.p..../Aqua20F.html. So I dont have to buy an additional powerhead etc.



My major concern is the distance between the device and the filter. As you can see, in its current configuration, the reactor will sit next to the filter and due to the water current, most of the CO2 saturated water will again enter into the filter. I wonder if such an assembly would result in an inefficient distribution of Co2-saturaed water in the aquarium. What if I place the reactor 6 or 12 inches away from the filter connected with a flexible tubing? But then I wonder if this may result in decreased water pressure and less dissolution of CO2 in the water?

[the_r0ck]

Would it be possible to have the exit of the sponge plug facing sideways (aka away from the filter)?. Instead of shooting the return down, perhaps you can seal off the bottom and drill a hole at the side near the bottom. That way you can "shoot" the CO2 enriched water across the tank.

[qsaark]

Would it be possible to have the exit of the sponge plug facing sideways (aka away from the filter)?. Instead of shooting the return down, perhaps you can seal off the bottom and drill a hole at the side near the bottom. That way you can "shoot" the CO2 enriched water across the tank.

Yeh, here is my revised design and the actual diffuser in the tank. It appears to work pretty well.

[the_r0ck]

Wow, looks pretty good. So long as you maintain the filter regularly to ensure good flowrates then it should be fine.

If it really works perhaps you can start making more and selling them.

[qsaark]

Wow, looks pretty good. So long as you maintain the filter regularly to ensure good flowrates then it should be fine.

If it really works perhaps you can start making more and selling them.

Yeh, cleaning the filter regularly is extra chore. I am not very happy with this internal filter. Soon I'll buy a better external filter and dedicate this filter for diffuser alone (ofcourse without the filteration cartridges). Anyway, the diffuser is working pretty well. Tom has suggested some changes which I'll consider while making the second diffuser. And the best part is, I spent no money. Used whatever I found in my tool box.

[StanChung]

Ok here's some thoughts from an olbie.
I went thru your process as well but after awhile, I realised my DIY thing looked ugly[yours looks ok], hard to access[bloody suction cups on p/head keep failing], stem plants get caught in it, used electricity, created heat, took up space and hard to hide[just sucks basically!], Such a mess to remove for photos.

When coupled with the canister, the flow was inconsistent as canister power diminishes dramatically due to the fact it has to pump so deep into the aquarium. Plus after cleaning canister filter- refilling is near impossible due to back pressure from outlet that's set deep in the aquarium. Not ideal at all.

Final word- internal Reactors are ugly and a pain to use-decommissioned all three i had.

Solution was just went and bought a few cheap diffusers and picked the best one that produced the finest bubbles and dumped the rest. No need for electricity, just the occasional soak in bleach or boil.
All the problems listed above eliminated. So much less headache. Spend a teeny bit more on CO2. Only thing is the inline tube whitens and looks ugly.
My olbie thoughts-the end.

[Cacatuoides]

Just to share:

I had my CO2 outlet under my internal filter and had it sucked into the filter and mixed with the water before exiting the filter....this way, I need not have additional devices in my tank and taking up space, especially in a small tank...

This method works well for me and occasionally produced spurts of tiny CO2 bubbles which misted the tank too...

my 2 cents